Episode #16: The Challenges and Opportunities of Convergence with Eric Kahle of Visual Marking Systems
Date: January 16, 2024
Duration: 20:02
Adding new printing technologies and verticals to your apparel decoration business is a fantastic opportunity for growth. Apparelist Content Director Cassie Green sat down with Eric Kahle, chief revenue officer of Visual Marking Systems and recently appointed Alliance board member, onsite at PRINTING United Expo 2023 in Atlanta to discuss the opportunities of convergence.
Throughout the conversation, Eric outlines Visual Marking Systems’ experience in convergence, what challenges it presented to his team, and ultimately the opportunities for growth it led to.
Key Takeaways
- Before exploring new technologies, you must understand the needs of your clients, strategize decisions, and know what the competition is up to
- You must understand your current partnerships and what you bring to the table
- Don’t be afraid to explore new markets — just do your homework first
More Episodes
Episode #84: Branding Together: How Creative Merch and Sales Strategies Shape the Future of Print and Promo
Join Branding Together co-hosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green as they explore the latest industry updates, innovative approaches to merchandising, and the importance of strategic storytelling in branding.
Listen
Episode #83: Talking Sales Strategies with Kevin Baumgart
Kevin Baumgart of Sales Ink shares expert insights on how apparel decorators can transform their sales strategies. Decorators can discover practical tactics for proactive outreach, effective use of data, and more.
Listen
Episode #82: How 500 Level Uses Art and Micro-Moments to Dominate Sports Apparel
Joe Catlow, CEO of 500 Level, shares insights into building a unique sports apparel brand through innovative design and POD technology.
Listen
Episode #81: Threads of Change: How Small Businesses Can Thrive by Engaging with Local Government
Carolyn Cagle, owner of Strikke Knits in Stacy, Minnesota, explains why even simply paying attention to local government affairs positively impacts your business.
Listen
Episode #80: Branding Together: How Small Sustainability Changes Can Have a Big Impact
The April 2026 episode of Branding Together features insights from Julie Schneiderman of EcoSticks, who discusses industry certifications, innovative activations, and small behavioral shifts that can create big environmental impacts.
Listen
Episode #79: Resilience in Apparel: Persevering Through Natural Disaster and Finding Another Calling
Shane and Erin Lunsford, Grace Apparel Company, share the inspiring journey of building a resilient apparel business after a natural disaster.
Listen
Episode #78: Threads of Change: A Guide to Managing Anxiety for Small Business Owners
Kevin DeBruyn, owner of Adaptive Counseling and Case Management, discusses the prevalence of anxiety among small business owners.
Listen
Episode #77: Branding Together: Retail Brand-Building Secrets From the Creator of Atomicchild
As an entrepreneur, Jimmy Bryant of Atomicchild shares his perspective and advice for any promotional products distributor and apparel decorator that is blurring the lines with retail.
Listen